Statistics Canada released retail sales data on Friday. Canadian retail sales climbed by 1.7% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.2% gain, after a 0.1% increase in October.

The rise was mainly driven by higher sales at new car dealers, which increased by 4.5% in November.

Sales at gasoline stations declined 0.6% in November.

Motor vehicle and parts sales increased 3.5% in November, while sales at furniture and home furnishings stores rose 0.4%.

Sales at food and beverage stores were up 1.5% in November.

Canadian retail sales excluding automobiles jumped 1.1% in November, beating expectations for a 0.4% rise, after a flat reading in October.